Performing Arts (Vocational)

For All courses except Beauty - choose three first choice subjects from four different option blocks. You will be asked just before submitting your application to choose three second choice subjects. They must be from the same Option Blocks as you first choices. For instance, if your first three choices are from Blocks A,B and D your second choice courses must also be from Blocks A, B and D

For Beauty just choose this subject by itself.

In order to follow an academic Level 3 programme of study you must achieve five or more GCSE (or equivalent) Grade 5 or above, including English Language or Literature and Mathematics.

In order to follow a vocational or mixed Level 3 programme of study, it is desirable that you achieve five or more GCSE (or equivalent) Grade 5 or above, including English Language or Literature and Mathematics. Those students without a 4 in English or mathematics, will take a level 2 qualification in these as part of their studies.

In addition you must achieve the GCSE grades specified for individual subjects which is outlined under each of the course descriptions

This Performing Arts course has been developed to prepare you, not only to perform on stage, but also focuses on the skills, knowledge and understanding that today’s universities and employers demand. You will develop your performance/production skills as well as the theoretical knowledge and understanding to underpin these skills. You will gain an understanding of how different businesses and organisations in the performing arts field work and understand the variety of opportunities that are available to you. The course will enable you to develop strategies, attitudes and survival skills for sustaining a career in the performing arts industry.

The OCR Cambridge Technical Award is a two-A level equivalent in Performing Arts. The course will provide you with practical experience to help you to develop the skills and knowledge that will equip you for employment within this broad and competitive sector, if you wish to pursue a career in performance, theatre production or arts administration. Similarly, this qualification would be beneficial in any industry that requires a person to have confidence, think divergently, work to deadlines, research, be creative and have the ability to work with others

For this qualification, you will follow one pathway from the following:

● Acting

● Dance

● Music

● Musical Theatre

● Theatre Production

All pathways are taught the following mandatory content. It is marked externally.

● Unit 1: Prepare to work in the performing arts sector - Preparing an audition piece, written response & pitch to camera

● Unit 2: Proposal for commissioning a brief - Written response to a chosen brief

● Unit 3: Influential performance practice - Response to a given statement and two contrasting practical pieces/ presentation if on the technical pathway

● Unit 32: Arts administration - 2 hour written exam

There are also a number of internally assessed pathway-specific unit options (these can be discussed in detail Course Expectations with a member of the PA team).

Students will be expected to attend all timetabled lessons. There is also an expectation that students endeavour to attend the many workshops, backstage tours and theatre visits presented to them. Students will be exited to participate in a combination of practical and theory based tasks. Students are also expected to audition and be fully involved in the performance opportunities at Victory - like our annual show and summer concert (this is Sixth Form led). These performances count towards your internal assessments and guided learning hours.

In order to follow a Vocational or mixed Level 3 programme of study you should have achieved five or more GCSE (or equivalent) Grade 5s or above, including English Language or Literature and mathematics although we will apply some flexibility where you can demonstrate aptitude and enthusiasm for this subject, yet you may not fully match our entry requirements. Those students without a 4 in English or mathematics, will take a level 2 qualification in these as part of their studies.

On successful completion of this course, students will be fully prepared to move on to higher education, with previous students successfully auditioning for Drama/Dance School or university. Possible industry-related pathways include a degree in Acting, Musical Theatre, Dance, Stage Production or Technical Theatre. Students may also choose to move on to something non-industry related, with a wealth of transferable skills that could benefit any future career choice.